Saudi Arabia Facilitates Access to Hajj 2018 for Pilgrims from Qatar

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and UmrahSet Up Hajj 2018 Online Registration Platform for Pilgrims Who Are Qatar Citizens or Residents

RIYADH, July 16 (CIC)– As Hajj 2018 season gets underway, Saudi Arabia is facilitating access for pilgrims from Qatar who want to perform the Hajj pilgrimage by allowing them to register via an online platform.

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has set the Hajj registration link (https://qh.haj.gov.sa) for use by both Qatari citizens or foreign residents of Qatar performing Hajj. The ministry set up this electronic link after receiving no response and cooperation from Qatar’s Ministry of Endowments with the concerned authorities in Saudi Arabia to finalize arrangements and requirements of Qatari pilgrims, according to a statement carried by the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA). The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said in its statement that it has “completed all necessary arrangements for serving Qatari pilgrims wishing to perform Hajj rituals this year 1439H (2018), whereas the Ministry has set the link (https://qh.haj.gov.sa), to enable them to register their data and choose appropriate services for their needs.”

The Ministry affirmed that the “government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and upon the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, welcomes the arrival of all Muslims of pilgrims, Umrah performers and visitors from all over the world and will spare no effort for providing them with all services and facilities that enable them to perform their rituals easily and tranquilly.”

The Hajj 2018 season has started as the Kingdom is already receiving pilgrims from some Asian and African countries, with the latest arrival comprising the first group of pilgrims from South Africa who arrived at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. A number of pilgrims flights from Malaysia, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan have arrived earlier this week at King Abdulaziz International Airport and Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah.

The Hajj pilgrimage officially begins on the 8th Dhul-Hijjah and ends on the 13th of the same Islamic month, which this year corresponds to August 19-24. More than 2.35 million pilgrims travelled to Makkah for Hajj in 2017, about 1.75 million of whom came from outside the Kingdom.